New Rules for Pet Travel to Northern Ireland: No More AHC Needed from June 4th

Planning to travel with your pet between Great Britain and Northern Ireland? From 4th June 2025, there’s good news for dog, cat, and ferret owners: Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) will no longer be required.

Thanks to the Windsor Framework, moving pets to and from Northern Ireland is now simpler and more streamlined.

What You’ll Need Instead: The Pet Travel Document (PTD)

Instead of an AHC, you’ll now need a Pet Travel Document (PTD). This document is valid for life, unlike the AHC which had to be renewed for each trip.

How to Get a PTD

Getting your Pet Travel Document is straightforward:

• First, sign up for a GOV.UK Government Gateway account

• Then, create a DEFRA pet travel account

• Apply online for your PTD

The application can take up to 5 working days to process, so it’s best to plan ahead.

What This Means for Pet Owners

This update makes pet travel to Northern Ireland faster and less expensive. You no longer need to book an appointment with an official vet for an AHC. Once your PTD is issued, you’re covered for all future trips—making spontaneous travel or return visits much easier.

What About Travel to the EU?

If you’re travelling to the EU (including France, Spain, Italy and other countries), an AHC is still required for every trip. We continue to offer fast, affordable AHC services to help you stay compliant with current pet travel rules.

Need Help With Pet Travel?

At AHC Pet Vet, we provide expert advice and quick turnaround for both Animal Health Certificates and support with navigating the new PTD system.

If you’re unsure about which document you need, get in touch with our team and we’ll guide you through it.